Customer Reviews

On a Wave: A Surfer Boyhood

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I am so sorry this book is over. It was a pleasure to read. Thad Ziolkowski is such a wonderful writer. His story is witty, eloquent, and moving. I have never had much interest in surfing, but that didn't change my enjoyment of the story. I particularly relished the parent-child dialogues and the amusing, self-deprecating recollections of childhood cognitions.

On a Wave is a wonderful memoir that has less to do with surfing than 70's American life as seen through the eyes of a sensitive(and poetic) young boy. Remember Tang, Pam, Pop-Tarts and the music of "Won't You Marry Me, Bill?" The book's honesty and candor and almost total lack of self-pity make On a Wave a touching and memorable story. If you take it to the beach, be sure to bring a couple of tissues.

I loved this book. It has a special closeness for me because I live in South Melbourne Beach- not far from Surf Road and Sebastian Inlet, where much of the book takes place. It was touching to read Thad's experiences here, as mine have been much the same- learning to ride alone on the deserted beach, the wildness and strangeness of a very special place.. he captured it perfectly, and I'm glad to report that it still has the same magic. A great book that will bring a tear to your eye more than once.

I'm not a surfer, never even thought about surfing much, but once I started this book I couldn't stop thinking about it. Ziolkowski's book is a very deftly written story about coming to know the world through a focus on one thing -- the wave, in all its shifting, complicated, living grace. By studying that one thing with all his heart, the writer finds a way through the ordinary struggles of coming of age, but through some extraordinary ones, too. ON A WAVE artfully evokes a time and a place, and also a time of life. It's one of the best new memoirs I've read for a while. It really does share some of the strength and character of Frank Conroy's STOP TIME, which is serious praise indeed.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as it provided me with insight into a time and place that I often wondered about. I took special interest in this book as I was born and raised in Melbourne Beach, attended the same elementary, junior high, and high school as the author, and even lived on Avenue A for several years. However, what really drew me in was my love of surfing, and of my father (who was one of the characters in the book). Although I was but a twinkle in my father's eye during the time of the novel, the vivid descriptions of the surfing and of the characters were impressive. I too found myself longing to return to surfing, as I have long since traded in my wetsuit for a business suit. The author's description of the lure of the ocean, and his love of surfing, really hit home for me. There is a certain innocence in adolence that we often fail to appreciate until it has passed. Although I agree with the character Stan Dryden's recommendation to Thad that he focus on school and get a stable job in a corporation, I also think that it would be a mistake to completely walk away from Thad's first love . . . surfing. Upon finishing this book, I was left with mixed emotions . . . a sort of sadness and hope at the same time. It reminded me that my childhood days were truly over, but that the child in us is always there.

Excellently written, "On A Wave" effectively evokes the angst of growing up and searching for identity. To classify Thad Ziolkowski's memoire a book about surfing is an injustice. It is much more. A rich and rewarding read.

Gorgeous prose kept me spellbound and swept me into
another time and place. The author is a talented
writer of great sensitivity and wit who has written
an outstanding coming of age memoir. A must read!

This was one of the best books I have ever read. The descriptions and prose were perfect. The writer brings you into his world in a way that anyone, especially someone of his era, can understand. I wish there was more! I was an avid surfer in Southern California, as a kid. But then came college, a job, life in a big city, marriage, kids, and soon you just forget about the surfing lifestyle, how it feels, what it means. I was hooked on this book from the prologue. And if that was all this book was about, then it wood have been a very enjoyable, good read. However, this book is so much more. It not only brought back the emotions of surfing, but also the emotions of childhood and growing up. I am so stoked to have found this book, and will pass it on to all my friends and family. I think I pull my board down from the rafters of my garage and clean it off this weekend. Who knows what could happen!

This book took me back to a time that I am having a hard time remembering, now that I am slightly past 40. I used to see Thad in the hallways in high school, but sadly never got to know him. I also remember seeing a picture of his little brother Adam in Skateboarding magazine, as a profile for an up and coming skateboarder. Thad captured the mood perfectly of that brief time in the 70's where nothing else mattered but surfing (and girls). Several years ago, I rediscovered the almost religious feeling you get out in the ocean surfing with your buddies. While a lot of guys my age, at work, play golf on their off time, I've hooked up with several guys who like to arrive at the beach at day break, sip 7-11 coffee and paddle out in the lineup. Surfing can really be forever...

I am a grandmother and have never been on a surfboard, but have just spent two glorious days surfing! This is a book for all ages and I am sharing it with my children and grandchildren. I heartily recommend it. I agree it will make a beautiful movie and Leonardo DiCaprio would be great!